Upcoming BC Marine Trails Events
Carnivores of Vancouver Island
2024 AGM & David Norwell Presentation
What you might encounter paddling, and why they’re there.
Where: Zoom – link to be sent out one hour prior to event.
When: November 18th, 7pm
Who Can Come: Member-only event
Have you ever paddled along BC’s coastline and spotted small, mysterious creatures darting across the intertidal zone, leaving you wondering, “What was that?” Or perhaps you’ve seen larger, more familiar animals—like bears—scouring the shorelines for food and wondered where they live and what they do when they’re not foraging? Many of these shoreline dwellers are carnivores, a diverse group that includes not only bears but also dogs, cats, and weasels. These animals lead fascinating lives in the coastal forests and waters of British Columbia.
Join Richard Weir and Helen Davis, professional biologists and seasoned kayakers, as they unravel the mysteries of the coastal carnivores. With over 35 years of experience, both have dedicated their careers to studying these animals through their consulting firm, Artemis Wildlife Consultants. In this engaging talk, they’ll share intriguing insights about the wildlife kayakers are likely to encounter along BC’s shores, offer tips on distinguishing between species, and explain why these animals are drawn to the beaches. Is it a mink, a river otter, or a sea otter? How can you tell? And how close is too close when encountering terrestrial wildlife while paddling? Learn about their ecology, behaviours, and the risks their populations face in a changing environment.
Where: Zoom – link will be a few days ahead with a reminder on the morning of the AGM
When: November 30, 2024 at 11am.
Who can come? Everyone is welcome.
A call for nominations will go out to our members approximately 30 days in advance. An agenda and financial statement will be available to members and the public who sign up below later in November. This year we are acclaiming or electing 8 board members. Five current board members have put their names up for directorship; additionally, three new board members have already put their names forward for a director position on the BCMT board. We are a working board. Directors are expected to come to monthly board meetings and take on a role within a committee as a member or chair.
Following the AGM, David Norwell, who is an illustrator, world traveller, and the author of A Complex Coast—a kayak journey from Vancouver Island to Alaska will give a 40-minute presentation. In David’s presentation for BCMT he will cover his paddling and publishing process regarding his book A Complex Coast: a kayak journey from Vancouver Island to Alaska. He will dive into the philosophical side of his experience as a settler paddling in the Pacific Northwest, his struggle with mental health, and how journaling and other practices can help.